It was all CUW at the outset of this contest with the Falcons sprinting to an early 18-4 lead over the first nine minutes before Bates came back to close within 31-30 at the break.

Bates' first lead came on a 3-pointer by Graham Safford with 17:15 to play and the opponent's margin grew to as large as 43-37 before CUW eventually tied the score at 48-48 on a conventional 3-point play by senior Bryan Donaldson (Greenfield, Wi.) with ten minutes remaining.

From that point Shawn Cassidy's team experienced a long offensive draught, falling behind 57-50 with six minutes to play and still in arrears at 58-54 inside the two minute mark.

Concordia got the ball back almost immediately and Kahlfedt was fouled with just a handful of ticks on the clock. Bates had one last opportunity after Kahlfeldt's pressure successes, but CUW's defense forced an airball ... and the Falcon celebration was on.

Eleven players scored for bench-strong CUW with senior Mark Pace (Milwaukee, Wis.) the only player in double figures, notching 11. Kahlfeldt added eight off the bench including the critical free throws.

"Some different guys stepped up tonight and we played great team defense with the game on the line over the last few minutes," said an elated Coach Cassidy.